May 2021

This May continued from last month to combine for a fairly slow spring, perhaps as a result of the persistent drought. No rare warblers were found through 5/31 and there were few reports of days with really good numbers of migrants. Unfortunately, several heron, egret, and cormorant rookeries in the region were abandoned part way through the breeding season. The cause at some sites may be complex, but at others, the early drying up of wetland foraging sites was the leading cause. There were a fair number of Black Swift reports in the latter half of the month, especially along the edge of the Coast Range to the west and in eastern Sacramento County. A few Calliope Hummingbirds lingered into early May, particularly around Mississippi Bar and Lake Natoma.

Among shorebird reports, most notable was a Snowy Plover (eBird checklist) at Cosumnes River Preserve from 5/2-4 and a Sanderling photographed (eBird checklist) at the Woodland WTP on 5/11. A pair of Least Terns was present at the Sacramento Regional WTP from 5/14-28, but they ultimately departed without attempting to nest. A combination of Northern Harriers, Swainson's Hawks, and Common Ravens that preyed on the chicks of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts likely caused them to leave. A Neotropic Cormorant (eBird checklist) found at Ellis Lake in Marysville on 5/28, continuing into June, was a first for the area and the most northerly record in the state of this rapidly expanding species; ten years from now, this may well be a regular component of the local avifauna. Single Least Bittern reports came from Mather Lake on 5/22 and Wild Wings Park along Cache Creek on 5/2. A Glossy Ibis was photographed (eBird checklist) along Catlett Rd to the west of Lincoln on 5/28, a nice surprise among the White-faced Ibis.

Virtually no Burrowing Owls were reported this May, which may point to a near future where this species will no longer breed locally, but will only be a winter visitor and transient. Say's Phoebes (eBird checklist) are heading in the other direction, with new nesting records from many sites in the past few years, including the first nesting recorded at the Sacramento Regional WTP/Bufferlands this May. After a winter with very high numbers, a few Pine Siskins were reported through the end of the month and into early June. The only rare songbird reported this May was a Black-throated Sparrow photographed (eBird checklist) at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway on 5/5. One highlight for the month was a fair number of Yellow-breasted Chat reports, both from scattered locations, and more expected sites like Sailor Bar.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lyann Comrack, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Ed Harper, Larry Hickey, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Roger Muskat, Nora Papian, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

April 2021

April showers were not forthcoming to ease the drought, and while many complained of a somewhat slow migration, bird activity was far more plentiful than the rain. Migration comes in fits and starts, and all of the regulars were accounted for, with a few days producing impressive numbers. Migrating flycatchers, including uncommon empids, were well-represented among reports. Lingering waterbirds and other wintering species, as well as migrant shorebirds rounded out the list for the month. On the heels of the past two winters with a male Northern Shoveler x Blue-winged Teal hybrid, a male Northern Shoveler x Cinnamon Teal was found and photographed in March, continuing into April at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). One of the two White-winged Scoters that had been present for several months on Folsom Lake near Folsom Point continued through 4/1.

Sacramento County's third record of White-winged Dove (eBird checklist) was visiting seed in a backyard in Sacramento's Tahoe Park neighborhood from 4/14 (and possibly earlier) to at least 4/17. A Common Poorwill (eBird checklist) was photographed on 4/3 along the Laguna Creek Parkway in Elk Grove, with another found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 4/21, as well as "a few" from Rayhouse Rd on 4/30. A male Allen's Hummingbird was visiting a yard in rural Yolo County, southwest of Clarksburg, for much of the month. An impressive 12 Pacific Golden-Plovers (eBird checklist) were found in a field along Swan Rd, south of Dixon, on 4/19. A Pectoral Sandpiper, more expected in the late summer and fall, was a nice surprise on 4/19 in Yolo County near the "farmer's pond" along Rd 30; equally unexpected in spring was a reported Semipalmated Sandpiper at CRP on 4/24. Relatively few Solitary Sandpiper reports included singles at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 4/4 and 4/23, and one at CRP on 4/25.

Bald Eagles nested at CRP for the second year in a row. A Hairy Woodpecker at Mississippi Bar was a nice find on 4/28. The continuing Eastern Phoebe was last reported along Cache Creek at Wild Wings Park on 4/5. A Varied Thrush photographed on 4/29 at Reichmuth Park was quite late for the species locally. A Black-throated Sparrow was found near the junction of Michigan Bar and Latrobe Rds on 4/18-20, and another (eBird checklist) was found along Meiss Rd on 4/19. There was a flurry of Brewer's Sparrow reports in eastern Sacramento County from 4/18-21, and the Harris's Sparrow found in February with a crowned-sparrow flock adjacent to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve continued until at least 4/11.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Lily Douglas, Konshau Duman, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Rob Furrow, Ed Harper, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Alvaro Jaramillo, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Stephanie Levins, Tim Ludwick, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Nora Papian, Jim Rowoth, Scott Schlossberg, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, John Trochet, Tom Uslan, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

March 2021

This March was another shockingly dry month in the second very dry winter in a row. It's difficult to complain in the face of such great birding weather, but one worries that summer dryness will be here all too soon. There were many reports from the field, though relatively few new finds. That is often the case in March, where it is a great time for birding, with a mix of winter species and early spring arrivals (like swallows, Western Kingbirds, and Bullock's Orioles), but it isn't until the second week in April, and often later, that things begin to really pick up with new arrivals. One of the two White-winged Scoters found earlier in the season continued near the Folsom Lake dam through the end of the month. The cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird, found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis, continued until 3/3. There were several early reports of single Vaux's Swifts in March, beginning on 3/6, with some impressive confirmatory photos (eBird checklist - S83861893) in the eBird reports.

A Common Poorwill was heard singing from the Placer County portion of Folsom Lake SRA, near Beek's Bight, on 3/26, and one was found in Orangevale on 3/27. Mountain Plovers were regularly reported along Hwy 45 in Yolo County, just south of County Line Rd, with a high of 62 on 3/7 (eBird checklist - S82985221). It is nice to have a consistent location for this species that has become much harder to find locally in the past two decades. A Snowy Plover seen from Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 3/27 was a couple weeks early for this locally rare shorebird, and a Least Bittern was recorded singing (through the din of Canada Geese!) at the Davis Wetlands on 3/31--on the early side for this diminutive, uncommonly detected species.

The cooperative Red-naped Sapsucker continued at Rollingwood Bluffs adjacent to Lake Natoma through 3/6. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found on 3/5 and 3/20 on a closed portion of CRP. It probably wintered for the second year in a row, but had been missed on most searches through the winter. A Sage Thrasher found on 3/18 along Robinson Rd continued through 4/1, and a female Cassin's Finch continued in an Orangevale yard throughout the month. The Harris's Sparrow found in February with a crowned-sparrow flock adjacent to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve continued into April. And while a study statistically questioned the validity of the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect, a Green-tailed Towhee (eBird checklist - S82718981) found near the yard that hosted the Broad-billed Hummingbird continued through 3/13, and lent anecdotal support to the PPTE.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Brant Brumbeloe, George Chrisman, Konshau Duman, Hugh Harvey, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Nora Papian, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Eddie Tache, John Trochet, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2021

After a few storms last month, February shaped up to be another largely dry period in this historically dry winter. Many of the highlights were of birds continuing from January, but more widely seen in February. Also continuing was the pattern of higher than usual winter finch numbers. A male Redhead, rare in Sacramento County, especially in publicly accessible spots, was first detected on Mather Lake on 2/20. It moved around between local water bodies, including Marilyn Evans Pond and the N Mather Dr Wetlands, continuing into March. A Surf Scoter was found on the San Joaquin River off Sherman Island on 2/21, where they show up fairly regularly, and the two White-winged Scoters continued near the Folsom Lake dam. A Red-breasted Merganser and one to two Pacific Loons were also reported continuing near the dam. The Red-necked Grebe (eBird Checklist) found at the Port of Sacramento continued from last month through 2/12, while another was on Lake Solano from 2/1-2.

Allen's Hummingbirds are very rarely found in Sacramento County, but are somewhat consistent in the extreme southwestern portion of the county. A male photographed at Brannan Island SRA on 2/26 (eBird Checklist) fit that pattern. The cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird, found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis, continued into March. A Pacific Golden-Plover was reported at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 2/16-20, and up to two Lesser Black-backed Gulls were found in the vicinity of the Yolo County Landfill Pond, north of Rd 28H, through most of the month; a first cycle Glaucous Gull was reported from the same location on 2/16. A Least Bittern reported on 2/13 from Cache Creek at Wild Wings County Park was intriguing for a species rarely found locally in winter. Bald Eagles began nesting for the second year in a row on the lower Cosumnes River Preserve, continuing the trend of local expansion. A flock of 8-10 Long-eared Owls at a traditional roost site was found on 2/28 at a typically closed section of Cosumnes River Preserve. They had not been present there earlier this season (dependably unpredictable, this enigmatic species), though this makes three years in a row that they spent at least part of the winter near the same spot; a roost of four was also present on 2/14 on private property near Esparto.

A cooperative Red-naped Sapsucker found on 2/7 at Rollingwood Bluffs (eBird Checklist) on the west side of Lake Natoma continued into March and was enjoyed by many. The Eastern Phoebe, first found on 1/24 along Cache Creek near Wild Wings County Park, continued to mid-month. The Tropical Kingbird found at Reichmuth Park on 1/31 was enjoyed by many as it continued (eBird Checklist), increasingly sporadically, through the end of the month. A Sage Thrasher was photographed near the Bridgeway Island Pond on 2/6. A small flock of Red Crossbills was enjoyed by several observers from 2/6-12 (eBird Checklist) at the Old City Cemetery, and a flock of 12 was found at Elk Grove Regional Park on 2/14 (eBird Checklist). On 2/22, a Harris's Sparrow (eBird Checklist) was with a crowned-sparrow flock adjacent to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, continuing into March near the junction of Levee and Hopkins Rds, where it was enjoyed by many.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserv (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Kathy Blankenship, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Holly Coates, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Andy Engilis, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, John Harris, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Chris McAllister, Michael Perrone, Dan Murphy, Nora Papian, Katie Rian, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Bobby Walsh, Rick Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2021

Despite the continuing pandemic, the unfolding season allowed for a good escape into the natural world. Storms arrived, some packing a punch, but seasonal rain totals remain historically low. One of the more interesting birds was a male Baikal Teal shot by a hunter on 1/20 at the Delevan NWR just north of the area typically covered here. While it wasn't a bird we could enjoy in life, the record speaks to possibility; this species of Siberia and eastern Asia has been detected in the state fewer than ten times. The striking male Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (eBird checklist) continued into February at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. One to three Surf Scoters were found on the San Joaquin River in early January off Sherman Island in extreme southwestern Sacramento County. Two White-winged Scoters (eBird checklist) spent the month, starting 1/2, near the Folsom Lake dam, accounting for just the third occurrence of this species in Sacramento County (all since 2017). A Red-breasted Merganser continued, moving between Beals Pt and near the Folsom Lake dam, and a Red-necked Grebe first found on 1/10 exhibited a similar pattern. Another Red-necked Grebe was found in the shipping channel in West Sacramento on 1/27, continuing into February.

One of the most widely enjoyed birds in recent memory was a cooperative male Broad-billed Hummingbird (eBird checklist), found on 1/29 in a private yard in central Davis by brand new birders who then opened their yard to dozens of socially-distanced visitors into February. A very rare but near annual wanderer to Southern California, this species is a great find in the northern half of the state. A Costa's Hummingbird was a nice surprise in Folsom on 1/24. Last month's Black-headed Gull continued at the Stockton WTP through at least 1/17, and the Glaucous Gull near the Nimbus Hatchery continued through 1/6. A Yellow-billed Loon (eBird checklist) was a great find, seen by many from 1/14 through at least 1/24 on the Mokelumne River, near the Tower Park Marina and Hwy 12. Two Pacific Loons continued on Folsom Lake, often near the Sacramento/Placer county line.

An Eastern Phoebe (eBird checklist) found on 1/24 along Cache Creek near the Wild Wings County Park was enjoyed by many into February. A Tropical Kingbird at Reichmuth Park 1/31 also continued, providing the fourth record for Sacramento County and the first continuing bird in a legitimate, public location. A vigorously calling Pacific-slope Flycatcher was a nice surprise at Sherman Island on 1/1, and a Cassin's Vireo was seen in residential Davis from 1/12-24. Up to 40 Mountain Bluebirds were enjoyed by many along the short section of Meiss Rd north of the Cosumnes River. A calling Evening Grosbeak was reported in Elk Grove on 1/2, and in keeping with this finchy winter season, two Cassin's Finches were reported at Rollingwood Buffs near Lake Natoma on 1/13, with up to 25 along Rayhouse Rd on 1/23, and one to two found in an Orangevale yard (eBird checklist) on 1/29 were enjoyed by many visitors into February. And finally, a flock of Red Crossbills was reported in Citrus Heights on 1/8.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (groups.io/g/centralvalleybirds) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Dan Brown, Aidan Brubaker, Brent Campos, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Todd Easterla, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, Isaac Henderson, Adrian Hinkle, Jim Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Augie Kramer, Adam Kucharek, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Lori Markoff, Mark Martucci, Nora Papian, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wickel, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2020

Despite the COVID pandemic leading to the cancellation of many local CBCs, there was good quantity and quality of bird reports throughout the region. Very dry conditions have characterized most of the fall and winter, but where the wetlands had water, bird numbers were good. Waterfowl highlights included a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal on 12/15 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) and the returning hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler at the Lost Slough Wetlands of Cosumnes River Preserve. A Greater Scaup along the American River Parkway (ARP) upstream of the Mayhew Drain from 12/25 into January was unusual for the region away from Delta. A Surf Scoter was reported off Sherman Island on 12/12, and Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake for most of the month, another off Tyler Island on 12/23, and multiples at the Amador County portion of Lake Camanche along with two Red-necked Grebes on 12/22.

The American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP continued through at least 12/19, which is extremely late in the season for this species. A lingering Semipalmated Plover was at the YBWA on 12/5 and the Woodland WTP through 12/15. A little south of the area typically covered here, a Black-headed Gull (eBird checklist) found at the Stockton WTP from 12/5 into January deserves mentioning, along with a Franklin's Gull at the same site from 12/4-15. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found near the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/1-2, and a second-cycle bird was found in the same area on 12/22-27. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was near the Yolo Landfill from 12/7-28. A striking first-cycle Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) caused a stir downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery from 12/14 into January; a second-cycle bird was near the Yolo County Landfill on 12/27. A Pacific Loon was first found off Brown's Ravine at Folsom Lake on 12/5, and one to two continued off Folsom Point and/or Beals Point into the new year; one to two Pacific Loons were in Amador County waters of Lake Camanche on 12/22.

A calling Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported downstream of the Gristmill access to the ARP on 12/5. A Long-eared Owl was found at Mississippi Bar from 12/10-11, and up to four Short-eared Owls were seen at Sherman Island during the first half of the month. An American Dipper was reported along Sweetwater Creek just upstream of Folsom Lake on 12/4, and the returning dipper continued along Putah Creek near the Hwy 128 bridge downstream of Lake Berryessa. A Sage Thrasher was found on private land from 12/21-23 off Central Ave in Yolo County where it meets the Deep Water Ship Channel. A Townsend's Solitaire was a nice surprise on 12/20 at Sailor Bar. Evening Grosbeak reports included one in Davis on 12/1 and two over Elk Slough in Yolo County on 12/24. One to two Cassin's Finches (eBird checklist) were found and photographed in Davis from 12/3-7, and a Red Crossbill was reported over Rosemont on 12/14. A Black-throated Sparrow continued on private property near Lake Solano and a Lark Bunting (eBird checklist) was found and photographed at the YBWA on 12/30. Unlike recent winters, no unusual wintering warblers were reported this month.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Jonathan Eisen, Elias Elias, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Brad Holtz, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Lindsey Mitchell, Frances Oliver, Adam Panto, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Jim Rowoth, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Gaven Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Cameron Tescher, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Ed Whisler, Lynette Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2020

The most attention-grabbing bird this November was a Bean-Goose found along Desmond Rd at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/14 among the tens of thousands of Greater White-fronted Geese. It was seen the following morning by the early birders, but flew off and was refound only briefly. Despite a concerted effort on subsequent days, the bird was not reported again. During long periods when most of the geese had their heads tucked it would be nearly impossible to separate it from the white-fronts. Most observers are provisionally calling this a Tundra Bean-Goose (eBird checklist), though the identification between it and the Taiga Bean-Goose can be tricky, with at least some individuals appearing intermediate. The two Bean-Geese have only been officially treated as separate species since 2007, and the California Bird Records Committee has accepted just two records so far (a Tundra Bean-Goose and a Taiga/Tundra Bean-Goose). The immature Surf Scoter first found on 10/24 downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continued through 11/4, and another was found off Sherman Island on 11/15. Red-breasted Merganser reports included one off Beals Pt at Folsom Lake on 11/19-30, one at the Woodland WTP on 11/22, plus up to four on Lake Camanche on 11/24.

Flocks of up to 50 Band-tailed Pigeons over Davis may have been fire refugees, as thousands of acres of their Coast Range habitat were burned over the summer. An American Golden-Plover found at the Woodland WTP on 11/28 (eBird checklist), continuing into December, was an excellent find and very late in the season for this species. Winter Golden-Plovers are usually of the Pacific variety. Mountain Plover reports have declined precipitously in the past two decades, so a flock reported for much of the month along Hwy 45 north of Knights Landing, with a high of 37, was encouraging. A report of 200+ along Robinson Rd in Solano County on 11/23 brings to mind the glory days of decades past. Pacific Loon reports included one on Lake Natoma from 11/2-4, one to two between 11/2-13 off Beals Pt, and multiples on Lake Camanche on 11/24 (eBird checklist), along with perhaps record numbers of Common Loons there.

Long-eared Owls were more widely reported than usual, with singles near Esparto on 11/15, from Ryer Island on 11/16, Cache Creek Preserve on 11/17, at Mississippi Bar on 11/20, and near Davis on 11/25. One was flushed at CRP on 11/28 along with two owls that got away unidentified. Spenceville Wildlife Area hosted an impressive 62 Lewis's Woodpeckers on 11/24. An Evening Grosbeak was reported at Sailor Bar (ARP) on 11/19, and Red Crossbills were fairly widely reported, including small flocks in Orangevale on 11/3 and 11/20, nine on 11/9 at Rollingwood Bluffs (eBird. checklist) near Lake Natoma, one at Verde Cruz Creek in Orangevale on 11/10, one at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 11/8, and another at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 11/23. Purple Finches continue to be more widespread and numerous than at any time in recent memory and Pine Siskins are in very good numbers as well. A Black-throated Sparrow was a nice surprise on 11/30 adjacent to Lake Solano, and single Yellow Warbler reports were very late for the season at CRP on 11/15 and 11/28.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Birds Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Aidan Brubaker, Peter Grunow, Denise and David Hamilton, Steve Hampton, Hugh B. Harvey, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Logan Kahle, Kathy Kayner, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Steve Scott, Gaven Stacey, John Trochet, and Rick Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

October 2020

After the amazing list of finds last month, things were bound to settle down a bit, but there were still many interesting reports to go through. An immature Surf Scoter was a very nice find on 10/24 (eBird checklist) along the American River, downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway (ARP), continuing into November. A Red-necked Grebe was quite a surprise, reported mid-month from the El Dorado Hills WTP. Reports of Common Poorwills in migration this fall were few, but one was found along a service road at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 10/6, and another was seen in a driveway adjacent to the east side of CRP, west of Galt, for a few days mid-month. These birds are typically found by their eyeshine in vehicle headlights as they perch on little-travelled roads after dark.

Shorebird numbers continued fairly high, but rarities were limited, with a Red Knot from 10/5-8 (eBird checklist) at the Sacramento Regional WTP (just the third record for the county and the first in twenty years). A Parasitic Jaeger was reported at Folsom Lake from Folsom Point on the early morning of 10/28, and a Long-eared Owl was found in the Sacramento Bypass (Yolo County) on 10/19. Overlooked in last month's column was the report of a dead Flammulated Owl found in the Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento on 9/25. This species is rarely detected in migration, away from its mid-elevation breeding grounds.

A female Vermilion Flycatcher was reported at the Woodland WTP on 10/31, and a "Solitary Vireo" with characteristics pointing toward Blue-headed Vireo was seen on 10/19 at CRP. We might be in for a good winter of irruptive finches, with higher than typical numbers and reports of Purple Finches and Pine Siskins throughout the region. Single Evening Grosbeaks were reported on 10/17 in east Davis and near Cal Expo on 10/28. Red Crossbills were reported from east Davis, with 12 on 10/27, and at least one on 10/29. A late Grasshopper Sparrow was a nice find along Desmond Rd at CRP on 10/31, away from its low foothill, grassland haunts. Late Yellow-breasted Chats were nice surprises from Elk Slough in southern Yolo County on 10/3 and from Sailor Bar (ARP) on 10/16 (eBird checklist). A Tennessee Warbler was reported along Babel Slough on 10/4 and again on 10/9, and a Blackpoll Warbler was found on 10/2 at the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Steve Abbott, Bill Avery, Max Brodie, Andy Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Barbara Leary, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Sonia Santa Anna, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

September 2020

With the continued severe smoke on top of a worldwide pandemic, this is not the September that any of us would have chosen. Yet, looking back after this round of smoke has cleared, with fine particles deep in our lungs, the list of birds recorded in September 2020 is remarkable in both the number and diversity of rarities. There were also some interesting Valley floor records of species that likely fled their Coast Range haunts ahead of the fires. Among the latter was a Hairy Woodpecker in north Davis on 9/11 through at least 9/20, a higher than usual number of Green-tailed Towhees reported locally, and a Rufous-crowned Sparrow, very rare on the flats of the Valley, at Babel Slough on 9/19. A Chimney Swift reported on 9/10 from the Harrington Way access to the American River Parkway (ARP) is among a handful of reports of this enigmatic species in the region. Among the interesting shorebird records was a Ruff (eBird checklist) in Colusa County on 9/29-30 in a flooded field off of Sycamore Cuttoff between Hwys 20 and 45. A Sanderling (eBird checklist) was at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 9/9-10, and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 9/22-23 accounted for one of very few historical records of this species in the area.

A Long-eared Owl was a nice find in a closed portion of the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 9/21, as was a Least Flycatcher along Babel Slough Rd on 9/5. An early Pacific Wren was found at Reichmuth Park on 9/26, and a Varied Thrush was also early on 9/20 at Elk Slough near Clarksburg. A Gray Catbird was an excellent find in the largely burned-over Putah Creek Canyon west of Winters on 9/27-29. One to two Clay-colored Sparrows were found at Folsom Point, Folsom Lake, from 9/12-15 along with a few of the more expected but still notable Brewer's Sparrows. Single Vesper Sparrows were found at Folsom Point on 9/4, at Sailor Bar along the ARP on 9/21, and at Don Nottoli Park along the northern border of the Stone Lakes NWR on 9/26. A Bobolink was an excellent find on 9/22 in a closed portion of the CRP.

Among the impressive warblers found this September was a Northern Waterthrush along Putah Creek, downstream of Winters, on 9/7-9, and another at Bushy Lake in the ARP on 9/12. A Black-and-white Warbler (ebird checklist) was found at Babel Slough on 9/4 and 9/15, and the bird continuing from last month in the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve was reported through at least 9/12. Single Tennessee Warblers were widely reported, including at Verde Cruz Creek on 9/3, near the intersection of Fair Oaks and Greenback, at Putah Creek downstream of Pedrick Rd on 9/10, along Putah Creek near Mace Blvd on 9/20, and at Lodi Lake on 9/22-23. A Kentucky Warbler was heard-only at the CRP on 9/3, but called back and forth to a recording. An American Redstart was seen briefly in the River Park neighborhood near Sac State on 9/23, and a Northern Parula was at Ancil Hoffman Park in the ARP on 9/14, with another along Putah Creek near Pedrick Rd on 9/25-26. A Magnolia Warbler on 9/20 along Pumphouse Rd near Clarksburg was a nice surprise, as was a Blackburnian Warbler seen by many (eBird checklist) on 9/4-5 downstream of Pedrick Rd, near Levee Rd; another Blackburnian Warbler was at the CRP on 9/25, and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was also at the CRP on 9/18. As many as three Blackpoll Warblers accounted for observations in the vicinity of the Gristmill access to the ARP, with one on 9/15, two on 9/16, and subsequent reports on 9/20-23; just across the river at William B. Pond, there were reports on 9/19 and 9/27. Another Blackpoll Warbler was found at the CRP on 9/21, and a male Summer Tanager was at the CRP on 9/18. Wow.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Lief Gallagher, Susan Goodrich, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Manfred Kusch, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Sean McAllister, Dan Murphy, Roger Muskat, Frances Oliver, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Steve Scott, Gavin Stacey, Kirk Swenson, Kevin Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

August 2020

As the list of species below attests, August is one of the most exciting months for bird migration. This August was severely impacted by major fires in the region, particularly in the Vacaville and Winters areas, where many lost their homes from fires sparked by an intense lightning storm, rare for our region. Subsequent air quality was historically bad, making time in the field unhealthful or at least a lot less enjoyable than it otherwise would be. Of course, while many of us have a choice to be outside, nothing stops migration, and interesting birds kept moving through the area. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo at the Sutter NWR on 8/26 (eBird checklist) was a very nice find. The only Least Bittern of the month was reported at Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 8/9

Topping the list of shorebird reports for the month was a Stilt Sandpiper reported on 8/13 at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP). Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were found at the Arbuckle WTP on 8/8, the Woodland WTP on 8/16, the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 8/19-21 (eBird checklist), CRP on 8/23, and the Linda WTP in Sutter County on 8/28. Solitary Sandpipers were found along Woodbridge Rd on 8/1-2, East Catlett Rd on 8/25-26, and the Linda WTP on 8/28. Least Terns were last recorded for the year at SRWTP on 8/6, with an adult and fledged young tern perched together.

This "fall" appears to be shaping up as having a regionally strong migration of Green-tailed Towhees throughout the state and beyond, with local reports in a Davis yard on 8/26, a West Sacramento yard on 8/30, continuing into early September, and at Boulder Ridge Park near Loomis on 8/31. Vagrant warblers are perhaps the most valued currency of the season. Highlights included a Black-and-White Warbler on 8/23 on the Solano County side of Putah Creek (ebird checklist) near the Pedrick Rd bridge, continuing into September, and a female-type Hooded Warbler nearby also on 8/23. On 8/27, an adult male American Redstart was found at Paradise Beach; others searching found a female of the same species on the same day. A Northern Parula was seen by several observers at Ancil Hoffman Park on 8/27-29, and a Canada Warbler was reported on 8/26 at Gibson Ranch County Park.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Brent Campos, Lyann Comrack, Colin Dillingham, Sid England, Jim Gain, Lief Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Jim Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, John Luther, Mark Martucci, Gary Mele, Frances Oliver, Asher Perla, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Linda Pittman, Ryan Rickman, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Judy Spitler, Lucas Stephenson, Eddie Tache, Simon Tache, John Trochet, Sally Walters, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

July 2020

As is often the case in July, most of the highlights came in the form of shorebirds. By month's end, songbird migration had also picked up, with fair numbers of Wilson's Warblers, Western Tanagers, and even a few Hermit Warblers reported. A good collection of summering ducks was found at the Woodland WTP, including  Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye. A Bufflehead also spent the month at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP), and a young male Common Goldeneye did the same downstream, below the Gristmill access. A Red-necked Grebe was quite a surprise at the Woodland WTP on 7/26.

Among the good numbers of migrating shorebirds, the highlight of the month was a Pacific Golden-Plover at CRP on 7/26. A photographed Snowy Plover was a nice find at the Woodland WTP on 7/9. Single Semipalmated Sandpipers were reported from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area from 7/16-29, with two on 7/24, at the Woodland WTP on 7/12, the Davis Wetlands on 7/25, and along Desmond Rd at CRP on 7/19. A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Sacramento Regional WTP (SRWTP) on 7/20, with likely a different bird on 7/29-30; another was found at the Sutter NWR on 7/22. Reports of single Willets came from the Woodland WTP for much of the month after 7/18, SRWTP on 7/15, CRP on 7/18, as well as 7/24-25, and five were found at Beals Point, Folsom Lake, on 7/27. After a couple of failed nesting attempts, two pairs of Least Terns each raised a single chick to full size (ebird checklist) at SRWTP (under the watchful eyes of Swainson's Hawks and Common Ravens), with at least one of them seen flying strongly before departing in August. The terns at this site are the only regularly nesting pairs (one pair since 2008, with two pairs for the past two years) of the species in the Central Valley.

Over 100 Swainson's Hawks were reported on 7/23, attracted to ag fields east of I-5, between Lambert Rd and Twin Cities Rd. A photographed hatch-year Hermit Thrush was an interesting find at River Bend Park, ARP, on 7/22 (ebird.org checklist). The species doesn't breed in the Valley, so it likely travelled from the Sierra or points north well before this species is typically found around Sacramento. A Yellow-breasted Chat continued from June until at least 7/10 at Sailor Bar, ARP. A Black-and-White Warbler was an excellent find at Ancil Hoffman Park, ARP, on 7/28-29 where they have been found before in recent years, and a Summer Tanager was quite a surprise in the Sutter Buttes on 7/28.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Brian Acord, Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Farley Cross, Todd Easterla, Maureen Geiger, Eli Gross, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ron Pozzi, Peter Sands, Steve Scott, John Toldi, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

June 2020

June is undoubtedly the slowest birding month in the Sacramento area in terms of species diversity, but this month had more surprises than one would expect. By June, nearly all of the songbird migrants have passed through, though any lingering migrants found are likely as not to be something of interest. By the last week of the month, the first wave of shorebird migrants signal that the slow times are about over. A Snow Goose photographed at the Davis Wetlands on 6/9 was quite unexpected. Also on 6/9, two female Hooded Mergansers with young were found at the normally closed Valensin portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP), confirming continued breeding by this species in our area. 

A presumed Vaux's Swift was found near the I St Purple Martin colony, adjacent to the Railroad Museum, into the second half of the month. By then, it seemed just as likely to be a Chimney Swift, but a convincing decision on the bird's species has yet to be rendered. Vaux's Swifts are regular migrants through the area, but there are summer records of Chimney Swifts, and one record of presumed breeding in Yolo County, after nearly all of the Vaux's have passed through. Among a smattering of early shorebirds, two Willets were a nice find at CRP on 6/20. A young Bald Eagle fledged from a nest in the Tall Forest at CRP by 6/19, provided the first successful nesting record for the lower Preserve.

For June, there were some really notable songbird records. A Pine Siskin  photographed in a Davis yard on 6/9 was unexpected for the date. The area's first nesting Chipping Sparrows along the edge of CRP's Tall Forest fledged at least two young (ebird. checklist) and continued to be found through 6/21. A Dark-eyed Junco feeding a recently fledged young bird on the UC Davis campus was a surprise on 6/12 and the first nesting record for the campus. A Yellow-breasted Chat was reported almost daily at Sailor Bar along the American River Parkway (ARP) throughout the month and into July. For the second month in a row, a Kentucky Warbler was found; this time it was Sacramento County's first on 6/10 at a closed portion of CRP. A female American Redstart along Babel Slough on 6/8 was a nice find. Up to 10 Yellow Warblers were singing in the vicinity of the Accidental Forest, northeast of the Tall Forest at CRP, with breeding confirmed by early July. This is an unprecedented number for the area, but the forest quality continues to improve, with well over a mile of unbroken, early successional riparian forest. A gorgeous singing male Chestnut-sided Warbler along ARP (ebird checklist), downstream of the Gristmill access, was found on 6/10 and briefly on 6/11. A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was found at a closed and seldom-visited portion of CRP on 6/6. On the same day and in the vicinity, among at least 15 Lazuli Buntings, was a hybrid Lazuli x Indigo that was blue except for white wing bars and a white belly. A young male Indigo Bunting was seen and photographed by many from 6/10-15 at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (ebird checklist).

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve (cvbirds.org) and in eBird (ebird.org). It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Lyann Comrack, Lily Douglas, Andy Engilis, Irene Engilis, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Emmett Iverson, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jason Riggio, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Jim Thomas, and John Trochet. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

May 2020

Certainly by mid-month, many people were getting out in the field and traveling more widely than they had during the first month and a half of the stay-at-home order for COVID-19. The migration came in fits and starts, with some really high numbers of regular songbird migrants in early May and a few vagrants peppered in, raising excitement levels. A young male Common Goldeneye lingered through at least 5/26 along the American River Parkway (ARP) near Paradise Beach and another young male was reported on the Delta Shores Circle pond, just north of the Bufferlands, on 5/23. Black Swifts are rarely encountered on the Valley floor, and when they are, it is usually during periods of unsettled weather. This May, singles were reported from Sailor Bar along the ARP on 5/13 and 5/25.

Among the shorebird highlights was a Sanderling in breeding plumage at the Woodland WTP on 5/18 (eBird checklist). A Solitary Sandpiper was found at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 5/4, and one was found on the same date at the Yolo County Central Landfill Pond. A bigger surprise came in the form of four Red Phalaropes in a flooded field near the Davis Wetlands on 5/18. Least Terns were first noted back at the Sacramento Regional WTP on 5/8, with two pairs attempting nesting; success is difficult, with a high level of predation by Common Ravens,  Swainson's Hawks, and others on the young of nesting stilts and avocets, as well as the terns. Sacramento County's second Glossy Ibis was found along Desmond Rd at CRP from 5/5-7 (eBird checklist).

Among the songbird highlights were typically wintering species found later than usual into spring, including a very late Golden-crowned Kinglet singing at Twitchell Island on 5/21, and a singing brown (female-type) Purple Finch at CRP on 5/12. Unprecedented numbers of Chipping Sparrows were reported in April, but much more surprising was a nesting pair found in a closed portion of CRP in mid-May and continuing into June, establishing the first breeding record for the county and perhaps for the Valley floor. A Brewer's Sparrow was a nice find along the grassland portion of Michigan Bar Rd on 5/25. Good numbers of Yellow-breasted Chats were reported, including one apparently on territory at Sailor Bar. Notable vagrants included a  Tennessee Warbler (eBird checklist) at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area on 5/9, a  Kentucky Warbler, exceedingly rare for the region, seen by many at Yolo Grasslands Regional Park on 5/27, a male Hooded Warbler at CRP on 5/29, and a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at CRP on 5/16.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Matthew Doyle, Konshau Duman, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Mike Guard, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Mark Martucci, Michael Novak, Ed Pandolfino, Michael Perrone, Jason Riggio, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, Jim Thomas, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, Dan Williams, Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

April 2020

Despite (and to some degree because of) travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a lot of bird observation was happening--much from near home and some a little farther afield. The male Eurasian Green-winged Teal continued through at least 4/3 at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on the Lost Slough Wetlands. Band-tailed Pigeon reports included one from a Wilton yard on 4/19 and two flying on the west side of Lake Natoma on 4/24. Unprecedented numbers of Calliope Hummingbird reports came in this April (eBird checklist) with at least 18 distinct individuals reported from Sacramento County alone.

A Golden-Plover not identified to species was among hundreds of Black-bellied Plovers on 4/7 at the Robben Rd Ponds southeast of Dixon. Good numbers of shorebirds were reported at CRP, highlighted by 145 Semipalmated Plovers on 4/22. A Semipalmated Sandpiper, very rare for spring (and perhaps the first for Sacramento County in spring) was found at CRP on 4/25. On 4/14, a Stilt Sandpiper was reported among good numbers of other shorebirds (eBird checklist), including five Willets, and a Marbled Godwit at the Woodland WTP. Solitary Sandpipers were found at CRP on 4/14 and 4/20 and at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) from 4/16-19. A winnowing flight display by two Wilson's Snipe at the marsh at the end of Payen Rd, just into El Dorado County, was a nice surprise on 4/12. The only two Least Bittern reports came from the Cache Creek Wild Wings Park on 4/12 and YBWA on 4/27. A possible Glossy Ibis was seen at YBWA on 4/11.

Nesting Bald Eagles are increasing locally, and now include a nest with a chick at the Tall Forest portion of CRP. A Northern Pygmy-Owl was an excellent find on 4/17 at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County. One of the biggest surprises was a Long-eared Owl photographed as it was being harassed by crows in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento on the late date of 4/29. A Hairy Woodpecker was found on the east side of Lake Natoma on 4/21 where they have been found in recent years. There were impressive numbers of rare to uncommon empids reported, including Hammond's, Gray, and Dusky flycatchers; many of the reports came from sites along the upper portion of the American River Parkway, such as Sailor Bar. A Plumbeous Vireo was reported at Willowbank Ditch in Davis on 4/15. On a busy morning for migrants along Putah Creek near Fishing Access #1 on 4/18, an American Dipper was a nice surprise, especially so late in the season. A Townsend's Solitaire was found at the Old Fellows section of the Sacramento City Cemetery on 4/21, and there was a flurry of reports of Red-breasted Nuthatches from multiple sites toward the end of the month. There were continued reports of good numbers of Chipping Sparrows, such as along the upper ARP, and an impressive 25 were found over a long day at a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 4/17; a Brewer's Sparrow was found on the same visit. Single Brewer's Sparrows were also reported on Meiss Rd on 4/16 (eBird checklist) and 4/26. While good numbers of regular species were reported, there were no unexpected warblers detected this April.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Elliot Chasin, Leo Edson, Andy Engilis, Gil Ewing, Desiree Haight, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Will Hemstrom, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Michael Perrone, Linda Pittman, Steve Scott, Mark Stephenson, Craig Swolgaard, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

Calliopes For Spring

There were at least 18 individual Calliope Hummingbirds reported in Sacramento County this April through eBird. As a comparison, in the previous four Aprils there were between two and eight reported. Calliopes are fairly rare migrants (or at least rarely found) in the Valley and appear to be found slightly more often from Fair Oaks east than on the flats of the Valley. They breed in the Sierra and elsewhere in the western mountains. Away from feeders, they have been reported several times feeding on wild radish as well as blooming locust trees. One can only speculate whether the increased numbers this April were from people staying local and watching their feeders, or if there really was an increase of North America's smallest hummingbird passing through our neighborhoods. My guess is that it was a combination of the two.

March 2020

The first half of the month was more or less a typical March in the Sacramento region, but with stay-at-home orders ramping up in the latter half of the month in response to COVID-19, there was a significant decrease in bird reports from many local hotspots. For the birds, spring was still unfolding, and early spring migrants like Western Kingbirds, Hooded Orioles, and Bullock's Orioles were in place before month's end. Birders too were getting out when they could, reporting the continuing presence of Colusa County's first Garganey, found on 2/26 off of White Rd east of I-5 and continuing into April. A possible Garganey was also reported at Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 3/25 but was not refound, while a male Eurasian Green-winged Teal was reported at CRP on and off throughout the month. A male Costa's Hummingbird was heard calling in north Davis on 3/5, and a male Allen's Hummingbird was reported at CRP on 3/28. An immature Glaucous Gull was seen sporadically in the first half of the month between the Yolo County Central Landfill Pond, adjacent ponds along Rds 103 and 104, and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA).

A couple of wintering empids were notable for the region. A Hammond's Flycatcher found at CRP on 3/21 was likely the same bird found a few times beginning in early January. A Dusky Flycatcher in north Davis was found on 3/5 through the end of the month. It was seen, recorded calling, and photographed by multiple observers (eBird checklist). The Northern Shrike found on 2/29 at the Colusa Garganey location continued through at least 3/20. An early-arriving Warbling Vireo was found at CRP on 3/27, and an Evening Grosbeak was a nice surprise in Sacramento near 42nd St and U St on 3/9. 

While the Vermilion Flycatcher left before March began, the Clay-colored Sparrow first found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued until at least 3/9. A Sagebrush Sparrow was an excellent find along Robinson Rd south of Dixon on 3/3-4 (eBird checklist). A small flock of Vesper Sparrows along English Hills Rd between Vacaville and Winters became more interesting when a banded individual was photographed (eBird checklist). It was later learned that the bird had been banded just south of Tacoma, Washington, and was only the second from the banding project to be reported on the wintering grounds; the first was also found by local birders in the Capay Valley in November 2018. This is important information about the movements of this declining subspecies known as the Oregon Vesper Sparrow . Additional notable reports included the continuing Harris's Sparrow in Woodland, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the YBWA, and a Yellow Warbler found at CRP on 3/28 that was quite unexpected so early in the season. A Red-naped Sapsucker found near the Mayhew Drain (downstream of the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway) was found in late February and inadvertently left out of last month's column.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Gil Ewing, Douglas Hall, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Roger Muskat, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Dave Quady, Steve Scott, John Trochet, Dan Williams, and David Yee. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

February 2020

For the first time in recorded history, we had absolutely no rain in February. That's not to say that the region was devoid of waterfowl. Colusa County's first Garganey was found on 2/26 off of White Rd (eBird checklist), east of I-5 at Harrington, and continued into March. A Eurasian Green-winged Teal (eBird checklist) was seen sporadically at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA). The White-winged Dove found on 1/24 along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd continued through at least 2/2. A male Costa's Hummingbird was visiting feeders in southeastern Davis mid-month, and an Allen's Hummingbird was seen by multiple observers visiting flowering eucalyptus on Sherman Island from 2/12 through at least 2/24, with a displaying male and at least three other Rufous/Allen's Hummingbirds seen. This Delta location is just beyond the edge of the regular breeding range for this species.

A Marbled Godwit at the YBWA on 2/23 was a nice find for the season, and a Ruff (eBird checklist) at the same location on 2/27 was even more unexpected. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo Landfill Pond on 2/25, and perhaps different adult was found at the YBWA on 2/26. An adult Slaty-backed Gull was photographed on 2/15 (eBird checklist) along Yolo County Rd 104 where likely the same bird had been found earlier in the season. Rough-legged Hawks are much less expected than they were two decades ago, but this winter they continue to be reported fairly regularly from good raptor locations in the region. A wintering flock of at least ten Long-eared Owls was found on 2/22 in a closed portion of Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) where the flock had been found in November and December, but missed in January. 

The young male Vermilion Flycatcher first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to 2/26, but was missed thereafter. The Gray Flycatcher, first found on 1/4 along the River Walk at CRP, continued through at least 2/21. A Northern Shrike was found on 2/29 and seen by many into March near the Colusa Garganey location. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 2/20, and a singing Cassin's Vireo at Slidehill Park in Davis on 2/26 was also notable for the date. Two Evening Grosbeaks were heard and seen near Sac St. on 2/16. A Lark Bunting was found (eBird checklist) on 2/1 along Yolo County Rd 86 to the north of Rd 16 and continued through the end of the month. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into mid-March. Additional notable reports included the continuing Harris's Sparrow in Woodland, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the YBWA, and a Black-and-white Warbler at Bobelaine on 2/1. The continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park, was only sporadically found through at least 2/29.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Stuart Angerer, Kathy Blankenship, Max Brodie, Holly Coates, Konshau Duman, Chris Dunford, Gil Ewing, Leif Gallagher, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Stan Hunter, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Ken Schneider, Steve Scott, Dave Shuford, Ken Sobon, Gavin Stacey, John Trochet, Zeke VanZante, Bart Wichel, Dan Williams, and Lynette Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

January 2020

Many of the notable birds this month were found on or continued from the local Christmas Bird Counts. After decent rains in December, this January was mostly dry, and the disconcerting pattern continued through press time. Notable waterfowl were headlined by the apparent return of last winter's Garganey to Bridgeway Island Pond in West Sacramento; it was reported from 1/3 through the end of the month, though still mostly in eclipse plumage. One of the more striking birds found was a male hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler seen and photographed from 1/3 into February. The female/immature Red-breasted Merganser first found downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/17 continued sporadically through at least 1/10. A Band-tailed Pigeon was found in the Pocket/Greenhaven area of Sacramento on 1/1, and Sacramento County's second record of White-winged Dove was found on 1/24 among dozens of Mourning Doves and Eurasian-Collared Doves coming to seed along Meiss Rd to the west of Dillard Rd through the end of the month

It has been a good winter for Western Sandpipers in the Valley, and five were found on Sherman Island on 1/26. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported along Yolo Rd 104 on 1/1, and an adult Slaty-backed Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed at the same location on 1/31. A Barred Owl found on private property in south Davis was reported publicly on 12/11. It turned up again on 1/12, where it was seen and photographed (eBird checklist), but became tangled in a net at a fish pond on 1/13 and was taken to the UC Davis Raptor Center. Because this expanding species is a threat to Spotted Owls, it will likely remain in captivity. A wintering flock of Long-eared Owls was found on private land near Sloughhouse, with a high of 15 or more birds reported. A Common Poorwill found on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County on 1/15 was a nice surprise so early in the season.

The Tropical Kingbird first found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued through at least 1/11. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued into February. There was a good showing of wintering Empidonax flycatchers at Cosumnes River Preserve. A Hammond's Flycatcher was found in the Tall Forest on 1/2, while a Gray Flycatcher (found 1/4: eBird checklist) and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher (found 12/29) were found on public trails and continued into February. The Plumbeous Vireo reported in Winters on 12/8 continued through at least 1/6. The Clay-colored Sparrow found on 12/27 at Tanzanite Park continued into February. Additional notable reports included up to 45 Mountain Bluebirds along Meiss Rd west of Dillard Rd (first found on 1/15), two Lawrence's Goldfinches (much harder to find in winter) on 1/15 on a private ranch in southeastern Sacramento County, the continuing Swamp Sparrow along the auto tour route at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and the continuing Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis, first found on 10/27 at San Marino Park and continuing through at least 1/13.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Gil Ewing, Marc Fenner, Ben Graber, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Emmett Iverson, Logan Kahle, Jeri Langham, Andrew Lee, Ronan Nicholson, Michael Perrone, Steve Scott, Lucas Stephenson, Mark Stephenson, Thomas Tinsley, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

December 2019

The extended dry period this fall finally broke up in late November, with moderate rainfall occurring on and off throughout December. Many of the interesting birds for the period were found during local Christmas Bird Counts or from increased scouting and followup visits the counts inspired. Among notable waterfowl was a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser  (eBird checklist) downstream and later in the vicinity of the Nimbus Hatchery. It was first reported on 12/17 and found sporadically into January. A well-photographed male Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (eBird checklist) was at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) on 12/27.

Lesser Black-backed Gull reports continue to increase in our region. On 12/21, a third cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was found at the Yolo County Landfill Pond and an adult was at the Davis WTP on the same day. An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed (eBird checklist) at the Anatolia Vernal Pool Preserve on 12/21 and refound there for a few days. It or another adult was also found near the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/28. Two Glaucous Gulls were found on 12/20 along Yolo Rd 104, with probably the same birds found at the nearby Yolo County Landfill on 12/21. An adult Glaucous Gull (eBird checklist) was photographed just downstream of the Nimbus Hatchery on 12/29. A Barred Owl (eBird checklist) on private property in south Davis, apparently the first for the Central Valley, was reported publicly on 12/11. It was roosting in a barn and adjacent trees and turned up again in early January. Approximately 12 Long-eared Owls continued at a communal roost on 12/28 on a portion of Cosumnes River Preserve with restricted access.

The Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23 continued into January, as did the young male Vermilion Flycatcher, becoming increasingly bright red, first found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30. A Plumbeous Vireo was found in Winters from 12/8 through at least 12/15. Tanzanite Park also produced a Clay-colored Sparrow (eBird checklist), first found and photographed on 12/27; it continued through at least 12/29 in the vicinity at a private yard. Additional notable reports included a Harris's Sparrow (eBird checklist) visiting a Woodland yard on 12/13, the continuing Swamp Sparrow at YBWA, an Evening Grosbeak at Slide Hill Park in Davis on 12/14, four Red Crossbills over a Carmichael yard on 12/28, and a Tennessee Warbler found in Davis on 12/29 near the Birch Lane Elementary School. The Worm-eating Warbler in southeastern Davis found on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through the end of the month, while a Wilson's Warbler was a surprise near Larchmont Park along the American River Parkway on 12/8, as was an unseasonable Black-headed Grosbeak at Lake Solano on 12/15.

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Lyann Comrack, Suzanne Day, Gil Ewing, Steve Hampton, Ed Harper, Cliff Hawley, James Holmes, Rich Howard, Emmett Iverson, Tony Kurz, Jeri Langham, Sami LaRocca, Andrew Lee, Dan Murphy, Michael Perrone, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, Sean Smith, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, Bart Wickel, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.

November 2019

Dry weather continued through most of the month with warm, calm, and sunny days. While many took advantage of the beautiful weather to get out in the field, much-need rain finally came at month's-end, easing fears of another round of devastating fires. A Brant at the Woodland WTP and environs on 11/6-7 was a first Yolo County record (eBird checklist). A hybrid Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler male was found for the second year in a row at the Cosumnes River Preserve (CRP) on 11/9, and two Redheads at CRP's Lost Slough Wetlands were a nice find for Sacramento County, where they are far less regular than in Yolo County.

In contrast to recent months, unusual shorebird records did not steal the show despite good numbers where habitat was available. A few Western Sandpipers, rare after mid-October, did linger through the end of the month at the Woodland WTP and at the Sacramento Regional WTP, with a high of seven toward the end of the month. First-cycle Glaucous and Lesser Black-backed gulls were reported at the Yolo County Landfill (eBird checklist), beginning on 11/16, while a first-cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull was reported near the Nimbus Hatchery on 11/29.  Approximately ten Long-eared Owls were found at a communal roost on 11/30 at the same location as the previous winter on a portion of CRP with restricted access.

One of the month's highlights came in the form of a Tropical Kingbird found along Sherman Island East Levee Rd on 11/23. Only the third record for Sacramento County, and the first seen by many observers, viewing was still difficult because of a lack of parking and private property concerns at the remote location. Greater access difficulty surrounded a more unexpected species: Yolo County's first Pygmy Nuthatch was found in West Sacramento on 11/21 where it persisted for a few days along a railroad line behind the police station. The young male Vermilion Flycatcher found at Tanzanite Park in Natomas on 10/30 continued to at least late November. Other interesting finds included a "Western Flycatcher" (Pacific-slope Flycatcher expected) at CRP's Lost Slough on 11/2; a Cassin's Vireo along CRP's River Walk on 11/9; the returning Swamp Sparrow at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (eBird checklist), and a long-overdue first Swamp Sparrow at the Sacramento Regional WTP Bufferlands on 11/26; an Evening Grosbeak in Carmichael on 11/26; and calling flyover Red Crossbills near the Gristmill access to the American River Parkway on 11/1, east Davis on 11/3, and the Arden neighborhood in Sacramento on 11/4 . The Worm-eating Warbler found in southeastern Davis on 10/27 at San Marino Park continued through at least 11/16 (eBird checklist). 

The Sacramento Area is roughly defined as lying between Hwy 20 to the north, Hwy 12 to the south, and the 1000-foot contour to the east and west, plus all of Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Many reports first appeared on the Central Valley Bird Club listserve and in eBird. It is impossible to list everyone, but I want to thank the following for their reports: Max Brodie, Suzanne Day, Lily Douglas, Todd Easterla, Gil Ewing, Stephen Fettig, Steve Hampton, Cliff Hawley, Terry Hodapp, James Holmes, Scott Hoppe, Jeri Langham, Mark Martucci, Michael Perrone, Zane Pickus, Jim Rowoth, Mark Sawyer, Steve Scott, John Sterling, Kirk Swenson, John Trochet, and Dan Williams. Thanks to everyone for their reports--without them, this column would not be possible.